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At the monthly chapter meeting on 14 April, the George Washington Chapter presented the SAR Heroism Medals to Sgt. Valarie Wright and Deputy Charles Winstead. On 25 Mar 2016, these two officers were instrumental in aiding a stabbing victim at the Alexandria Landmark Mall, and ensuring he was transported safely during a civil disturbance.  Left to right: Chapter President Ernest Coggins, Dep. Winstead, Sgt. Wright, and Chapter Public Safety Awards Chairman John Blair At the monthly George Washington chapter meeting on 14 April 2018, Curtis G. Viebranz was awarded the SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal and the Baldwin-Jones-Tabb Medal. Mr. Viebranz had served for five years as President of George Washington's Mount Vernon and was a constant supporter of SAR's annual commemorations at Mount Vernon on Independence Day and Veteran's Day. Although Mr. Viebranz is not a member of the SAR, he was presented with the Baldwin-Jones-Tabb medal, which is typically presented to compatriots who participate in the annual SAR Independence Day celebration at Mount Vernon.  Left to Right: 2016-17 VASSAR President Michael Elston, Curtis Viebranz, Don Baldwin (Chapter President in 1963 and VASSAR President 1969-70 and namesake of the Baldwin-Jones-Tabb medal), and Ernest Coggins, 2018 GWSAR Chapter President  14 Apr 2018 Ball-Shumate Cemetery, Warrenton, VA  Today, April 14th, 2018, the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter placed an SAR Patriot Marker on the grave of John Ball, a soldier and patriot of the Revolution. This was the culmination of a six month long effort to research the patriot, locate the owners of the property, secure access through another property, cleanup the cemetery, install the marker and plan and execute the dedication ceremony. This was done with significant participation by Rick Jenkins, owner of the adjacent property, who has now submitted his SAR application. Ric maintains a park-like appearance on his property adjoining the woods where the cemetery is located, and not only granted us access across his property for the cleanup and ceremony he actively participated in every work party at the site. Also helping in this effort was the Fauquier Court House Chapter of the DAR, who were participants in all activities, and were heavily involved in the cleanup. Both Rick Jenkins and the Fauquier Court House Chapter, DAR, were presented Certificates of Appreciation as part of the ceremony. CMM Past President Jerry Hubbard was the Master of Ceremonies, President Tom Hamill presented the keynote address, Virginia SAR 2nd VP Bill Schwetke represented the Virginia SAR, and all members present participated in the program in one way or another as shown in the pictures below. Captain John Ball 1742-1806 John Ball was born October 2, 1742, son of William Ball and Martha Brumfield. William Ball was a first cousin of Mary Ball Washington, thus John was a second cousin, of George Washington. We know little of John Ball’s early life, but we know he married Sarah Ellen Payne on November 6, 1767 In 1769 John Ball hired on to work George Washington’s mill as a millwright. Early in our struggle for independence, in February 1776, he was commissioned an ensign in the 6th Virginia Regiment. It is believed that he served at some time on George Washington’s staff The 6th Virginia fought at Trenton, Princeton, and Brandywine, where John Ball was wounded on September 11th, 1777. He apparently returned to Fauquier County Virginia to recover. There he ran an iron works and contributed significant material to the Revolution. While in Fauquier County he was appointed ensign of militia in March of 1779, and Captain of militia in October of 1779. In July of 1781 Captain Ball marched with the militia to join the forces responding to Cornwallis’ arrival in Virginia. After the Revolution John Ball retired to Fauquier County where he died in 1806. He and Sarah had at least 8 children. Sarah died in 1826, and probably lies in one of the graves next to John Ball.
 Left to right: Charles Jameson, Cat Schwetke, CMM President Tom Hamill, Michael Dennis, Aaron Hamill, Don Hollar, Ric Jenkins, Larry Alexander, Jerry Hubbard, Beverly Alexander, Bill Mutziger, Lea Hamill, Susan Hamill, Len Cowherd. picture by Bill Schwetke. Before and after the cleanup pictures of Ball-Shumate Cemetery.
Information for your Grave Marking Medal Reporting Form  Obtain a blank Grave Marking Medal Reporting Form here. 12 Apr 2018 Halifax, NC  2nd Vice President Bill Schwetke represented the Virginia SAR and led a delegation of four Virginia SAR chapters to celebrate the 242nd Anniversary of the Adoption of the Halifax Resolves in Halifax, NC. The chapters represented were the Culpeper Minutemen, Dan River, Fairfax Resolves, and George Washington. David Cook, Ralph Hall, and Bill Schwetke participated in the Color Guard. The National Society was represented by President General Larry Guzy, who was also the keynote speaker. This year's event was well attended with over one hundred participants and spectators, including over twenty 5th Grade students from the Halifax Academy. The festivities had commenced the evening before with a reception hosted by Sam Powell, past President of the SAR Foundation. This was followed by a buffet dinner at Ralph's BBQ in Roanoke Rapids. After the ceremony at the site of the Old Court House, buffet lunch was served at the Halifax Methodist Church.
 Ceremony participants.  Virginia SAR participants, left to right: 2nd VP Bill Schwetke, PG Larry Guzy (dual member), Mike Geisinger, David Cook, Ralph Hall. (not pictured: Lorence Lisle). 05 Apr 2018 Pfitzner Stadium, Woodbridge, VA  left to right: Paul Chase, Barry Schwoerer, Joe Dooley, Dave Cook, Jeff Thomas, Paula Schwoerer, Jacob Schwoerer, Justin Thomas, Mike Taimi, Vern Eubanks, and Bill Schwetke. 10 members of the Virginia SAR Color Guard (including two C.A.R. members) and one DAR Flag bearer presented the colors for opening night for the Potomac Nationals. They were joined by a sizable crowd of compatriots and friends in the stands to promote the SAR, DAR, and C.A.R. 06 Apr 2018 Haley Toyota Field, Salem, VA  left to right: Pat Kelly (obscured, with musket) Bill Schwetke (US Flag), Charlie Coale (Virginia Flag), Phil Sheridan and Spurgeon Keith (with Fincastle Resolutions Banner). On Friday evening the Fincastle Resolves Chapter hosted a Night at the Ball Park with a nice contingent of compatriots and wives, and the Virginia SAR Color Guard, who presented the colors for the National Anthem. 07 Apr 2018 Russell County, VA  On a cold day, with intermittent snow flurries, about 120 compatriots, DAR members, and guests gathered to honor Robert Vicars, patriot of the revolution, by marking his grave in the Old Vicars Cemetery at Grassy Creek in Russell County. President Pat Kelly represented the Virginia SAR and had made this grave marking one of his presidential initiatives. Also attending were the Virginia SAR 1st & 2nd Vice Presidents and representatives of nine Virginia SAR chapters: Culpeper Minutemen, Fairfax Resolves, Fincastle Resolutions, George Mason, Lt. David Cox, Martin's Station, New River Valley, Overmountain Men, and Thomas Jefferson. The Virginia DAR was represented by Vice Regent Becky Rogers and Historian Holly Lynne Schmidt, as well as representatives of five chapters. Also attending was past President of the Tennessee SAR, David Johnston, and representatives of five Tennessee SAR chapters. The event was jointly organized and conducted by members of the Virginia and Tennessee SAR. There were a large number of Robert Vicars' descendants at the ceremony, including Virginia SAR First Lady Jennifer Kelly, and the Master of Ceremonies, Larry Underwood. As part of the ceremony, Robert Corey Vicars, a descendant of Robert Vicars, was inducted into the SAR and the Overmountain Men Chapter by Virginia SAR President Pat Kelly. After the ceremony their was a reception at the Old Russell County Courthouse, hosted by the Russell County Historical Society. All participants in the ceremony earned credit toward the SAR Patriot Grave Marking Medal
 Robert Vicars' descendants at the ceremony, with the Color Guard as a backdrop.  The Color Guard, left to right: Bill Schwetke, Larry McKinley, David Johnson (TN), Darrly Addington (TN), Darrin Schmidt, Don Hills (TN), John Clines (TN) _______, Peter Davenport, Tom Coker, David Carr (TN), _____, Barney Penley  Virginia SAR President Pat Kelly, flanked by two Vicars' descendants, on the left, Larry Underwood, and on the right Virginia SAR First Lady Jennifer Kelly.  Information for your Grave Marking Medal Form Obtain a blank Grave Marking Medal Reporting Form here.
17 Mar 2018 Greensboro, NC  On March 15th, 1781, forces including a large number of Virginia Militia, under General Greene fought those under General Cornwallis in a fierce battle at Guilford Courthouse, NC. Though the British controlled the battlefield at the end of the day, their grievous casualties caused Cornwallis to abandon his Southern Campaign and go to the coast for replenishment, eventually leading him to defeat at Yorktown. This event was celebrated in a ceremony at the site of the battlefield this past Saturday morning. The Virginia Society was represented by 1st Vice President Peter Davenport, who presented the Society wreath and marched in the Color Guard. Ten Virginia SAR Chapters were represented at the ceremony: Colonel George Waller, Culpeper Minutemen, Dan River, Fairfax Resolves, Fincastle Resolutions, George Mason, George Washington, Lieutenant David Cox, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Nelson, Jr. Seven Virginia compatriots also participated in the Color Guard.    1st Vice President Peter Davenport renders honors for the Virginia SAR at the ceremony.  |
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